Kyle Kuzma of the Washington Wizards has become a significant trade candidate this NBA season, though the franchise’s demands are reportedly steep.
According to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, the Wizards aim to secure multiple first-round picks in exchange for Kuzma, intending to maximize their draft assets from other players.
“The Wizards have informed rival teams they’re open to trading veterans in search of future draft assets for Washington’s rebuild, sources said,” Fischer wrote. “Early impressions are the Wizards hope to receive multiple first-round picks for Kuzma, with the goal of receiving maximum draft capital for other players down their roster as well.”
Preceding the 2023-24 season, the Wizards initiated significant changes, trading Kristaps Porziņģis to the Boston Celtics, Monte Morris to the Detroit Pistons, and Bradley Beal to the Phoenix Suns. These moves, however, seem to be just the start of a broader rebuilding effort, despite acquiring Jordan Poole and extending Kuzma’s contract with a four-year, $90 million deal.
With a disappointing performance this season, placing them 14th in the Eastern Conference with a 6-27 record, only ahead of the Detroit Pistons, the Wizards appear poised for a comprehensive rebuild.
Kuzma has proven to be a valuable asset for the Wizards, particularly in the offensive domain, since his move from the Los Angeles Lakers before the 2021-22 season. This season, the 28-year-old has averaged 22.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 4.3 assists over 33 games, with a shooting accuracy of 46.8 percent from the field and 35.7 percent from three-point range.
Teams unable to secure Pascal Siakam from the Toronto Raptors may view Kuzma as an alternative option, given their similar playing positions. While Kuzma is evidently on the trading block, the focus in the trade market remains largely on Siakam.
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